DOT Physical Near Des Moines, IA

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Finding A DOT Exam Near Me In Des Moines

The Department Of Transportation (DOT) is tasked with protecting our public roads. To prevent accidents that cost lives, they hold commercial driver’s license (CDL) operators to a certain standard of health to avoid medical-related accidents. That’s why part of the requirement to become a CDL operator is the DOT mdical exam (sometimes referred to as the CDL exam).

Do I Need a DOT Physical?

CDL drivers operate Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Common CDL jobs include:

  • Truck Drivers: Truck drivers deliver goods from manufacturers and supply hubs to supermarkets, hardware stores, clothiers, package delivery services, and more.
  • Bus Drivers: Bus drivers transport multiple passengers to schools, jobs, and locations around town and across the country.
  • Hazmat Drivers: Hazmat drivers transport flammable or toxic materials like gasoline to gas stations, chemicals to manufacturers, and manufacturing by-products to safe disposal sites.

Why Do I Need An Exam?

Employers don’t want to hire an individual with epilepsy or someone who will fall asleep while driving due to narcolepsy. The DOT physical exam screens CDL drivers for physical conditions or medications that make it unsafe to drive. Some conditions are necessarily disqualifying, but many can be controlled by medication and lifestyle. Your DOT medical examiner will be able to tell you if your case is severe enough to prevent you from working a CDL job. The DOT medical card proves you passed the examination.

How Long Is The DOT Medical Card Valid?

If you’re in average to good health, the card is generally valid for two years. However, your doctor may decide an ongoing medical condition needs more monitoring, making DOT physical renewals more frequent.

How Long Is The DOT Physical Exam?

The average appointment lasts 30-45 minutes. To expedite things, arrive 10-15 minutes early to finish the paperwork. Should your current health prove more challenging, your appointment may last longer.

Note: Anything that requires a specialist’s approval to clear you for duty could delay things.

Does My DOT Exam In Des Moines Require A DOT Drug Screening?

No. A urine sample is needed to perform a urinalysis. This demonstrates if there is excessive protien, blood, or sugar in your urine. It does not test for marijuana, narcotics, or other medications. A potential employer can request that a pre-employment drug test be performed at the same time as the DOT physical exam. 

Medical marijuana, legally or illegally purchased, is a banned substance for all CDL drivers. If you feel you need this for your health, a CDL operator job isn’t a good fit for you. Regardless of why you take it, it can hinder your ability to drive safely.

How Do I Find A Certified DOT Medical Examiner Near Me In Des Moines?

Looking for a “DOT physical exam near me”? Team CME has made it easy to find local options by contracting with certified clinics nationwide. When you use our locator tool, you can find a physician near you and get your DOT medical card fast.

Do I Need To Bring Anything To The Exam?

You’ll want to bring adaptive devices like your prescription glasses or contacts to verify your prescription is still adequate. The same thing goes for hearing aids, insulin pumps, etc.

Additionally, they will need your driver’s license or any form of photo ID to get your DOT medical card in Des Moines. You will need both the CDL and the DOT medical card to be employable.